FPV Retrenchments

[SpoolMan]

Hows the Herald Sun headline ''Ford head sacked'' looks like they have trouble with the FPV brand also.
Tom Gorman is the head of Ford.

Well done Bluehoon posting this on Friday and only put in press today.

Originally Posted by T3ts50

Poor guy was in the job for less than a year.

Correct was announced on the 10/05/06 so he had around 7 months in his job.
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=48217

[The Stylist]

Originally Posted by b2tf

The ONLY TV ads I can ever remember seeing for FPV was the 2003 one when GT first came out (in the carpark and the boom gate thingy gets scared of the car), and the ones with the Typhoon etc during V8SC rounds.

Other than that I have never seen a tv ad for an FPV product during normal viewing.

Here on NZ we currently have an FPV TVC for the entire FPV range, nothing that great, just shots of all the models driving with the F6 Typhoon tree blasting scene at the end.

Surprised to here about the sackings though.

[Bossxr8]

Looks like Prodrive want to take control.

[mcooper]

Bizarre that one of the last press releases the now defunct PR/Comms dept put out was one that bragged about the company's best ever sales year!
Now they all need to be putting out releases with their resumes attached. Gotta feel sorry for them all - walk into work at the end of a week and get the bum's rush!

[T3ts50]

Originally Posted by TPUF6

So people think SAK didn't do a good job because he came from SAAB (previous post) well don't know how Bryan is going to go. He has no automotive experience & knowledge and to top it off he drives a Porsche!!!!!!!!!!!

Bryan has been MD of Prodrive Asia Pacific since around Sept. 05 so he does have automotive experience and knowledge.

[Elks]

Sak was also a manager for Nissan during its local operations (not so successful, and had some issues with carsales.com (if you google Sak Ryoppenon it's the 1st thing that comes up).Question would be why appoint him in the 1st place to such a high profile position....

Conversely, 7 months is no time at all to either start of stuff something considering the lead time for new vehicles. so there must be more to this, lack of planning etc. only those on the inside would know.

I hope the new guy sees fit to add the superchared 5.4 from the US GT(40) to the falcon. 500hp would fix ALL of the hype from HSV.

[desGT]

Originally Posted by Lagom

There is more to marketing than advertising on TV.

FPV advertises in various forms of print media, eg. car magazines. They have plenty of press coverage in automotive press. It is an enthusiast's brand, enthusiasts consume this media.

And (in Melb) those big signs certainly attract attention (ok, mine!). The one on the entry into the city of WG freeway.

There is/was another on the corner of Nepean Hwy and South Rd. Was at the traffic lights and 2 young girls were pointing to the sign (yellow GT) and my (black GT) - even they made the association. Nodded. They could then be seen pointing it all out to their parents. Thought those signs were a good idea.

[Donut King]

FPV Looks to The Future
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is restructuring its business in order to continue developing world-class performance vehicles while significantly increasing its sales and dealer support operations.

Continuing as an independent joint venture between Prodrive and Ford Australia, FPV will now be overseen by Prodrive AT Asia-Pacific Managing Director, Mr Bryan Mears. The new structure will enable FPV to continue to utilise both Prodrive's and Ford Australia's Melbourne-based resources.

Increased resources will now be dedicated to sales, marketing and dealer support. FPV will recruit a new sales and marketing general manager to lead the business, while a doubling of the sales force will ensure the company's strong sales performance continues in an increasingly challenging market. In addition, the new general manager will be responsible for growing FPV's brand awareness and market share, as well as leading the future product development team.

"FPV has risen to every challenge presented by the changing automotive market in Australia and internationally," said Mr Mears.

"The introduction of innovative new products such as the ground-breaking F6 range of performance cars and Utes is just one example of the company's flexibility and engineering excellence.

"FPV achieved record sales results in 2006, thanks in part to the leadership of Sak Ryopponen. However, closer alignment with Prodrive will allow FPV to continually push the technology envelope and take full advantage of the engineering expertise available through the company's global operations.

"As a result, Sak will be leaving the organisation to take up new opportunities, effective immediately. We thank him for his stewardship of FPV as we have worked through this important restructure of the business."

Ford Performance Racing will continue to operate as an independent business.

[Scott]

Sounds promising.

[Brent]

Hmmmm. The official press release reads nicely, but then again, I've never seen a press release from any company anywhere that didn't include all the buzzwords, spindoctoring and associated BS that goes with a corporate restructure...........

Without knowing all the internal politics that goes on inside FPV and ProDrive its a bit hard to make a call on the "why, ifs & maybes" of the restructure. From a distance, FPV seem to be doing good things (best ever sales; success of the Typhoon). On the flipside, they're also lagging in some areas as well (development of the GT; limited customer support).

Does the mixed success to date warrant such a shakeup? Hard to tell. Seems a touch on the extreme side though which I why I think that there's a fair bit of politics behind the shakeup rather than it being simply due to the company's performance to date. A chance to shake-out deadwood from the Tickford days like some have suggested? Probably yes. Companies increasingly seem to like the "churn & burn" in their staff from time to time.

You'd hope that the staff who've been axed have been given reasonable redundancy terms, but now that's its done, I really hope that ProDrive use this opportunity to sharpen-up the whole FPV operation, from product development, quality, dealer support, technology, the whole box & dice. Its one thing to trot those lines out in a PR statement, but another to actually do it. They've bitten the bullet, now for some action hopefully.

Brent.

[csv8]

mmm DENMAC FORD have a lot of FPV product sitting in the yard. Doesn't seem to be moving....

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by csv8

mmm DENMAC FORD have a lot of FPV product sitting in the yard. Doesn't seem to be moving....

relevance of this to the topic is...............?

[FPV329]

relevance of this to the topic is...............?

I guess he's saying they got the chop cause the products not shifting.

The Sak guy oversaw record sales they say and now tell him to rak off, yeah sure I buy that.

[FPV8U]

Originally Posted by FPV329

relevance of this to the topic is...............?

I guess he's saying they got the chop cause the products not shifting.

The Sak guy oversaw record sales they say and now tell him to rak off, yeah sure I buy that.

The sales had been set-up by what david flint had set-up before his retirement, maybe it was more to do with the business direction (Or lack of) that Prodrive were concerned about with Sak?

[FPV GT]

Bring DAVID Back

Oh Happy Jaaaaaaaaaack, where are yoooooooou

Regards
Paul
President
Bring Back David Flint Organisation
.
.
.

[GTP-814]

here here, I second that. At least David was seen. What did the last bloke look like......

[zebby]

Read this guy,s, very interesting

http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2316185.aspx

is all not well at the moment?.

[SpoolMan]

Prodrive's decision to retrench the majority of FPV's senior management last week caught all quarters by surprise


Hot on the heels of announcements of the hero car arm's best-ever sales performance, it was not only the extent of the sackings that shocked industry observers (and the unsuspecting FPV team), but the way in which 49 per cent minority partner Ford Australia also appeared to be caught off-guard.

When it would have made sense to present the changes as a united and carefully-planned restructure via a joint Prodrive-Ford Oz announcement, CarPoint believes that the sackings are indicative of Prodrive's decision to react decisively and publicly to Ford's Falcon-based new product hiatus and what it sees as an unfair burden of product development cost and responsibility.

Reduced Falcon and Territory production, Ford's 'holding pattern' marketing and systemic delays in getting the critical new Orion [Falcon replacement] into production -- a sequence of events which date back to the unsuccessful AU Falcon -- have not been well received at Prodrive's UK HQ either.

Indeed, there are a number of factors that have likely have contributed to Prodrive's decision to cut costs (and more) in such a drastic and public manner. And many of these date back some time. Consider…

>> FPV achieved its 7000th sale in January 2007. This represents unprecedented sales growth in the less than four years since the first FPV GT went on sale. HSV took four years to build its first 5000 cars. FPV's record 2144 sales in 2006 is a ten-fold increase over most Tickford models that preceded the FPV range. However, this success may have come at an unsustainable cost to Prodrive.

>> During a period that Ford has done very little to change the appearance of the BA Falcon since its launch in late 2002, Prodrive has been forced to go it alone in developing new styling and ongoing appearance changes to maintain interest in its performance car range. FPV has also developed several costly new models at a time that Ford's Falcon range has remained static. Last Friday's abolition of FPV staff who implemented this process appears to make a strong statement.

>> The Prodrive engineering arm which undertook development work for Ford including the XR6 Turbo and Territory Turbo and FPV had duplicate, independent management structures. This left David Flint in charge of FPV during the transition from Tickford to FPV.

Following David Flint's retirement during 2006, there was no reason to continue these parallel business structures. CarPoint believes that a high priority of these latest moves is to consolidate these two Ford-oriented Prodrive divisions into a single management and financial structure. Although this would normally make sense, the recent recruitment then sacking of key FPV staff doesn't. CarPoint believes that the FPV operation may have been healthy on its own but the combined bottom line for both operations may have forced Prodrive to make staff cuts where they generated the least impact on short term revenue.

>> In the absence of a suitable US V8 engine to match HSV's V8 engines from the latest Corvette range, Prodrive was forced to build its own Boss V8 engine in Australia before it could launch the FPV GT. The viability of this process depended on sizeable XR8 orders from Ford.

Despite the arrival of a heavily upgraded L76-powered VZ SS and an all new L98-powered VE SS from Holden since the XR8's launch, Ford Australia has left the XR8 specification virtually as it appeared in 2002 with a predictable decline in sales. When XR8 improvements have not kept pace with FPV's own range or its Holden rival, Boss engine viability was always a financial time bomb for Prodrive as it is fundamental to FPV's survival but not Ford's.

Ford's recent Falcon production cutbacks in addition to the XR8's decline, may have finally lit the fuse and forced Prodrive to act.

>> CarPoint understands that the special Limited Edition models of the current FPV GT range intended to celebrate the GT's 40 year anniversary in 2007 were locked in before Friday's retrenchments. The retrenched staff have also completed the coming FPV range based on the Orion. With so little for FPV to market and present to the media over the next 18 months until the arrival of the Orion range, Prodrive may simply have decided to follow Ford's lead, trim its workforce and leave a skeleton workforce in place to handle sales and merchandise.

>> At the launch of HSV's new E series range, it was clear that HSV management were sweating over the acceptance of the new range after it represented the biggest development investment in HSV history. This was despite the outlook of strong export sales which are not yet a given in FPV's case.

Before Prodrive can match E-series investment in the next generation of FPV models, CarPoint understands that Prodrive will need to carry the additional investment in sourcing or developing a V8 engine that will not only take the battle to the HSV range but outrun Holden's mainstream VE SS range which currently outperforms FPV's V8 models.

Since 1999, not only has HSV enjoyed the financial benefits of picking up the latest high performance V8 crate engine from the Corvette C5 and C6 generations, it has piggybacked Holden's commitment to the V8 engine which resulted in a complete re-engineering of the Commodore engine bay from 1997. Prodrive was forced to squeeze the Boss V8 into a BA engine bay originally intended for the small block Windsor. This required a special bonnet bulge pressing and a compromised engine location. As this is no longer acceptable against the better balanced VE Commodore platform, Prodrive may have been forced to go it alone with a heavily-modified FPV Orion platform for which it has to free-up funding.

>> Ultimately, all of Ford Australia's current problems (and FPV's) can be traced back to 1993, the year that the EF Falcon needed to arrive to do battle against the VR Commodore. Instead, it was delayed until 1994 as vital resources were sidetracked into US plans to close Ford Australia's manufacturing operations and replace the Falcon with the Taurus.

Although this was averted, the EF Falcon could not regain lost sales momentum, a process that was repeated when the AU replacement was a year late in 1998 and needed to offer what the BA did in 2002.

By the time the Orion replacement arrives in 2008, it will be a full two years behind the VE Commodore which is too long in today's volatile market. Prodrive may well have decided that going it alone for 2007 in maintaining a strong FPV profile may be too difficult with little hope of return. Faced with slashing thousands of dollars from unsold stock as HSV did last year, Prodrive may have decided to cut overheads.

>> HSV in its early days was heavily dependent on managing director John Crennan's sales and marketing background backed by John Harvey's feedback in the press, dealer and owner liaison roles to fill in the gaps in product direction. Both exploited strong media and owner interest in the HSV range and the lack of competition without having to invest in specific advertising or marketing.

It is significant that after John Harvey was moved to part-time duties in 2000, HSV waited until 2006 to appoint its first full-time media liaison person on the launch of the E-series. CarPoint believes that today's intense competition from imports and the rivalry between FPV and HSV would not allow a repeat of the early HSV strategy.

One of the key obstacles to early Tickford and FPV success was a British mindset that placed little value on Ford's unique Australian muscle car heritage. Does the latest Prodrive move signal a return to British staff with this mindset?

[FTE217]

Interesting read Mark, thanks......

[Paxton]

Interesting read, thanks SpoolMan.

Prodrive seem to be on a Vendetta to ruin all the hard work that Uncle David ("Happy Jack") Flint started, and got me into the Ford Performance ring with. My EFII was the best car I ever owned. My AUIII Came close, however it wasn't the same. What FPV need is some help, either from Roush, SVT, Shelby - anyone who knows the Boss backwards. With this, they can make the Boss better, whilst sharing resources and development costs, as the US company can also put their advancements into place.

FPV also need to get the brand out. When Orion lands, they need a catchy Advertisement, similar to the Monaro one, with "The New Supercharged FPV GT-SC Even More Unbelievable" This will get the Brand and also the knowledge of new model into the mindset of everybody.

Lastly, Ford need to help FPV as much as possible. Without this, Ford will not have a performance arm left, and their brand will be left without a following, as the hero models dry up.

I leave you with this: FPV are also making the Supercharged V6 Camry. Does anyone else think that maybe Prodrive might be looking at putting their eggs into the basket where they may make some money, especially with the Toyota marketing machine.

[Brute6]

Originally Posted by Paxton

I leave you with this: FPV are also making the Supercharged V6 Camry. Does anyone else think that maybe Prodrive might be looking at putting their eggs into the basket where they may make some money, especially with the Toyota marketing machine.

Prodrive are actually helping out with the TRD Aurion.....Not FPV....
Prodrive's outlook is to showcase its wares anywhere it can...

[T3ts50]

Prodrive Aus also did the MX5 Turbo a few years back.

[FPV]

Prodrive are going to build the TRD Aurion, they will have no hand in the TRD Aurion's development at all, that will be left to Toyota.

Things just go from bad to worse for FPV, at least this article explains why we have not seen any development for the FPV V8 range since its launch. Its all well and great that the BFII limited edition models won't be cut from the line up, unlike other rumoured models have been, however it is a kind of hollow victory when you read about no development dollars and the struggle Prodrive is going through with the range. I was actually thinking it was a Prodrive problem we have seen no development of the GT models, but looks like its otherwise. Ford should be looking at more investment in there high performance range, as currently despite fuel prices of last year, they have seemed to have defied the large car sales slump, something the falcon range is currently suffering from.

Hopefully things get sorted out cause over the past 4 years, there really hasn't been much to celebrate about from FPV except increased sales from an untouched range.

[T3ts50]

Maybe they can start selling Boss 290 motors to the states, which has been mentioned in Motor trend before. You can call it a Shelby GT390. That would at least keep the V8 production line keep going.

[DJL351]

This was sent to our club a week or so ago.

--------------------------------------------------
January 2007



Media Release



FPV LOOKS TO THE FUTURE



Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is restructuring its business in order to continue developing world-class performance vehicles while significantly increasing its sales and dealer support operations.



Continuing as an independent joint venture between Prodrive and Ford Australia, FPV will now be overseen by Prodrive AT Asia-Pacific Managing Director, Mr Bryan Mears. The new structure will enable FPV to continue to utilise both Prodrive's and Ford Australia's Melbourne-based resources.



Increased resources will now be dedicated to sales, marketing and dealer support. FPV will recruit a new sales and marketing general manager to lead the business, while a doubling of the sales force will ensure the company's strong sales performance continues in an increasingly challenging market. In addition, the new general manager will be responsible for growing FPV's brand awareness and market share, as well as leading the future product development team.



"FPV has risen to every challenge presented by the changing automotive market in Australia and internationally," said Mr Mears.



"The introduction of innovative new products such as the ground-breaking F6 range of performance cars and Utes is just one example of the company's flexibility and engineering excellence.



"FPV achieved record sales results in 2006, thanks in part to the leadership of Sak Ryopponen. However, closer alignment with Prodrive will allow FPV to continually push the technology envelope and take full advantage of the engineering expertise available through the company's global operations.



"As a result, Sak will be leaving the organisation to take up new opportunities, effective immediately. We thank him for his stewardship of FPV as we have worked through this important restructure of the business."



Ford Performance Racing will continue to operate as an independent business

[whiteelfalcon]

Geoff Polites was a cars salesman...

And Gorman is not the most inspirational speaker.

[[dave]]

and this thread was only 8 months old

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

No suprise Saks gone. What type of understanding did he bring to the table. He probably wouldn't even know what a GTHO was. He was an MD for Saab for christsakes. We need someone with a good understanding of Aussie Muscle cars who knows all about Ford muscle history. As Geoff Polites would say, someone with PASSION.

Looks like thats what we've got now in Rod Barrett.

(sorry for quoting myself).